via elliot1984

Yes, that is Jerry O'Connell.
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Thanatopsis, written by William Cullen Bryant at the age of 17, is considered to be a masterpiece of American poetry. The title is from the Greek thanatos ("death") and the suffix -opsis (literally, "sight"); it has often been translated as "Meditation upon Death."
Link: Thanatopsis

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The idea here is to name the hammer or how it was used; there is a link to the answer page after the last photo.

I got a resounding zero correct.
Link: Hammer Quiz
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An abridged history of American-centric warfare, from WWII to present day, told through the foods of the countries in conflict.

Link: a breakdown of the foodstuffs
Link: annotated

Link: Obsolete Skills
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Martin Scorsese revives Alfred Hitchcock (minus a page)
Link: The Key to Reserva
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I gave up on John Grisham a long time ago for being too predictably formulaic, but I was caught in a weak moment at the bestseller rack, in the mood for nothing heavy, and lured by the idea that his newest book was non-fiction.
It's fiction. The Author's Note at the end of the book is a dead giveaway, thanking his heroes for all of their input, and conveniently neglecting to gather any input from his villains.

For a little perspective:
Link: The Truth Behind "The Innocent Man" & Ada, Oklahoma

Published in Paris in 1945 by the 'Information & Education Division' of the US Occupation Forces.
Link: 112 Gripes about the French
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The descriptions are a riot.
Link: Strap in, shut up and hold on. We're going back.

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Paul Tibbets, the man who flew the Enola Gay to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, died on my 34th birthday.
I can think of few remarkable moments where one man simply did his job to so drastically change the course of human history, and I salute his life, not his death.
He didn't want a tombstone, or any memorial, as he felt he'd attracted enough attention in his lifetime; he wanted his ashes dumped from an airplane over the North Atlantic, because that was where his most peaceful moments of flying were spent.
more, more
previously

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Link: Earth to America - Robin Williams
More: Earth to America

In order to give back to the fans for over 12 years of devotion we are putting together a 12th Anniversary celebration during the month of September...We are providing the original Command & Conquer Gold as a free download, compatible for Windows XP!

Link: C&C 12th Anniversary! Download C&C Gold Free

A few great photography links that I have enjoyed browsing of late.

US National Park Service Historic Photograph Collection


Life Beneath Antarctic Ice - Photo Essays - TIME


Secret Buildings You May Not Photograph, Part 643


An Amazing Close-Up Photograph Of A Rainbow (via)


The Wind That Swept Mexico: the history of the Mexican Revolution 1910-1942. 184 historical photographs assembled by George R. Leighton.


Flickr: The High Speed Photography Pool


Stephen Shames Photography. Award winning photo essays on social issues.